Many children in Ghana are born with a foot deformity called clubfoot, and unfortunately, their parents often do not know how to seek help. These children are sometimes viewed as “river babies” or seen as cursed, leading to stigmatization and discrimination. In some cases, mothers have faced divorce simply for giving birth to a child with this condition.

Thanks to the support and partnership with Hope Walks, children born with clubfoot now receive free treatment, with no cost to their families. Since its inception in 2008, this life-changing program has transformed the lives of over 8,600 children. These once-stigmatized and rejected children can now walk, play, and lead normal lives.

Features of a Child with Clubfoot

• • Twisted Foot: The foot is turned inward and downward, sometimes appearing almost upside down.
  • Smaller Foot and Calf: The affected foot is smaller, and the calf muscle may be underdeveloped.
  • Stiffness: Limited movement in the foot and ankle due to rigidity.
  • High Arch: The arch of the foot is more pronounced than usual.
  • No Pain at Birth: Newborns with clubfoot usually do not feel pain, but untreated cases can lead to mobility issues as the child grows.

Clubfoot is a globally recognized condition, with about 1 in every 1,000 births affected by the deformity, totaling approximately 200,000 cases each year worldwide. The good news is that clubfoot is treatable, and through CHAG and Hope Walks partner clinics, treatment is provided free of charge.